Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is making waves beyond the football field, stepping into the world of film production. Known for his skills on the gridiron, Kelce is now a first-time executive producer for the upcoming feature film, My Dead Friend Zoe, a dark comedy centered on the emotional challenges faced by military veterans.
Travis Kelce executive producer of My Dead Friend Zoe
In My Dead Friend Zoe, Kelce takes on the role of executive producer for a film that highlights the struggles of a U.S. Army veteran, Merit, portrayed by Star Trek: Discovery actress Sonequa Martin-Green. The story delves into Merit’s battle with PTSD after the tragic death of her friend and fellow soldier, Zoe, played by Natalie Morales, who is best known for her role on Grey's Anatomy. The movie explores themes of resilience, strength, and the deep emotional scars left on those who serve.
Kelce expressed his pride in being part of the project, stating,
Being part of My Dead Friend Zoe as an executive producer has been an incredible experience. The film tells a compelling story and shines a light on the challenges our veterans face. My hope is to continue working on meaningful projects like this—stories that entertain, inspire, and make a real impact.
Highlighting strong female characters in the military
Kelce further elaborated on the significance of the film’s portrayal of women in the military, stating,
That tells a powerful story and puts two strong female characters at the forefront. Sonequa and Natalie bring depth and authenticity to their performances, highlighting the strength, resilience, and leadership of women in the military.
This emphasis on powerful female leads marks an important step in bringing new perspectives to military-themed storytelling.
Travis Kelce: giving back to the military community
Kelce’s efforts to support the military extend beyond film production. He is following in the footsteps of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who won the Salute to Service award for his dedication to military families and frontline heroes. Kittle’s six-year initiative included hosting over 400 military families at each NFL game. Kittle shared,
What I take back is being able to give back just a little bit, like a football ticket. They need more people to go out of their way to support them.
Similarly, Kelce is using his platform to give back through My Dead Friend Zoe, a film that aims to bring attention to the sacrifices made by military personnel. Director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes praised Kelce’s impact on the project, saying,
He has really brought so much additional attention and ultimately, selfishly, I want people to enjoy this film. I think what Travis did for us was just this tidal wave of energy and exposure.
Release date and final thoughts
My Dead Friend Zoe is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on February 28, 2025, bringing attention to the unseen struggles of military veterans while showcasing the remarkable talents of its cast and crew. As Kelce continues to expand his horizons, his commitment to meaningful storytelling and supporting the military community shines through in this exciting new venture.